“I p-pledge alliance… BLEH I mean, ALLEGIANCE to the flag uh-of the United States of America…”
So, this was me as a third grader. Reciting “The Pledge” on the loud speaker was the most exciting thing for all the students at Clintonville Elementary School, except for me. Being the girl who stuttered when she read out loud and was too shy to even stand in front of the class, I was completely terrified. I have struggled with reading aloud since the very beginning. I would jumble up my words, my face turned the shade of a ripe tomato, fidget with my hands, and even break out into a sweat. Safe to say, speaking in front of the entire school was not my cup of tea.
In school, this was my “fatal flaw”. I would cringe every time the teacher would call on me to read something. After my name was called, the rest of the class would sigh with disapproval. Holding back tears, my face turned a shade of red from the embarrassment. I would struggle through the paragraph and finish with so much relief that it was over. However, I never understood why I had so much trouble. In my head reading was fine. I actually enjoyed it! I wouldn't stumble on phrases or mess up. I was in my head where no one else could judge me.
I was so embarrassed by my poor public speaking skills. So, my mom signed me up for third grade theatre. I received the part of a main ensemble dancer in The Wiz. I was very comfortable with this because I had danced my whole life. Then, the next year, I was given the supporting role of a brother in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. I was so impressed with myself because I had three whole lines! However, the following year, I received the role of Maureen, the Hen, in Honk Jr. I sang my own song and everything! I became a “ham” and was one of the leaders of the drama department!
I continued theatre throughout elementary and middle school. It helped me gain confidence with speaking in front of others. My phrases had fluency and were properly articulated. I became an entirely different student. I was no longer timid in class. I raised my hand to read things aloud and did not feel constantly embarrassed anymore. Sure, I still mess up occasionally and struggle with messing up words when I’m in front of a lot of people, but I just shake it off and try again. I hope to one day consider reading out loud a personal expertise. However, it is very unlikely. I will most likely always have a little trouble reading in front of large groups, but at least, now, I have the guts to get up and try.
So, this was me as a third grader. Reciting “The Pledge” on the loud speaker was the most exciting thing for all the students at Clintonville Elementary School, except for me. Being the girl who stuttered when she read out loud and was too shy to even stand in front of the class, I was completely terrified. I have struggled with reading aloud since the very beginning. I would jumble up my words, my face turned the shade of a ripe tomato, fidget with my hands, and even break out into a sweat. Safe to say, speaking in front of the entire school was not my cup of tea.
In school, this was my “fatal flaw”. I would cringe every time the teacher would call on me to read something. After my name was called, the rest of the class would sigh with disapproval. Holding back tears, my face turned a shade of red from the embarrassment. I would struggle through the paragraph and finish with so much relief that it was over. However, I never understood why I had so much trouble. In my head reading was fine. I actually enjoyed it! I wouldn't stumble on phrases or mess up. I was in my head where no one else could judge me.
I was so embarrassed by my poor public speaking skills. So, my mom signed me up for third grade theatre. I received the part of a main ensemble dancer in The Wiz. I was very comfortable with this because I had danced my whole life. Then, the next year, I was given the supporting role of a brother in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. I was so impressed with myself because I had three whole lines! However, the following year, I received the role of Maureen, the Hen, in Honk Jr. I sang my own song and everything! I became a “ham” and was one of the leaders of the drama department!
I continued theatre throughout elementary and middle school. It helped me gain confidence with speaking in front of others. My phrases had fluency and were properly articulated. I became an entirely different student. I was no longer timid in class. I raised my hand to read things aloud and did not feel constantly embarrassed anymore. Sure, I still mess up occasionally and struggle with messing up words when I’m in front of a lot of people, but I just shake it off and try again. I hope to one day consider reading out loud a personal expertise. However, it is very unlikely. I will most likely always have a little trouble reading in front of large groups, but at least, now, I have the guts to get up and try.